He believes the government’s plan may not only be about cleaning the river, but also about taking land that belongs to long-time residents of Kangemi, Dagoretti and nearby areas.
According to Owino, the law states that anyone living next to a river should move only 6 to 10 metres away from the water.
According to Owino, the law states that anyone living next to a river should move only 6 to 10 metres away from the water.
However, people in these areas are being told to leave land up to 60 metres from the river bank. The MP questioned why the distance is much larger than what the law requires.
He claimed that the extra land taken from residents could be used for private development, rather than for public benefit.
He claimed that the extra land taken from residents could be used for private development, rather than for public benefit.
He demanded clarity from authorities on who will take control of this space once families are gone.
The Nairobi River cuts across several communities, including Kawangware, Uthiru, Kangemi and parts of Westlands.
The Nairobi River cuts across several communities, including Kawangware, Uthiru, Kangemi and parts of Westlands.
Many of the affected families have lived on this land for generations. Owino noted that their plots are ancestral freehold land, not government-owned land.
Because of that, he said the government must follow a fair process if they want to relocate people.
Earlier this year, President William Ruto launched the Nairobi River Regeneration Programme, a major project aimed at stopping pollution, preventing floods and improving living conditions.
Earlier this year, President William Ruto launched the Nairobi River Regeneration Programme, a major project aimed at stopping pollution, preventing floods and improving living conditions.
The plan includes building new sewer systems, waste management facilities, and thousands of affordable homes.
While the goals appear positive, Owino believes that some officials may be hiding behind the project to grab land from innocent property owners.
While the goals appear positive, Owino believes that some officials may be hiding behind the project to grab land from innocent property owners.
He stated that if relocation is necessary, residents should receive proper compensation and legal documents showing how their land will be handled.
The MP has now urged residents of Westlands, Dagoretti, and other affected places to remain united and defend their homes.
The MP has now urged residents of Westlands, Dagoretti, and other affected places to remain united and defend their homes.
He warned that no one should be forced out without the right procedures being followed.
Owino reminded the public that the Constitution of Kenya protects the rights of property ownership, and those rights cannot be ignored in the name of development.
Owino reminded the public that the Constitution of Kenya protects the rights of property ownership, and those rights cannot be ignored in the name of development.
